The USA has the world’s largest international student population, with more than 1,000,000 students choosing to broaden their education and life experience in the United States. Nearly 5% of all students enrolled in higher-level education in the USA are international students, and the numbers are growing. From the mid-1950’s, when international student enrolment was only just reaching 35,000, international education in the USA has come a long way.

USA Study Guidelines

Here’s an overview of all the factors that an international student must know about when pursuing higher studies in USA: 

Education System

After completing their high school (12th standard), the students in USA go to colleges and universities to pursue higher education. The education system in USA offers tremendous diversity for international students. There are about 4,500 accredited higher educational institutions in USA that offer three types of degrees:

• Undergraduate Degree: It is a full-time undergraduate degree which is referred to as a Bachelor’s degree in USA. The duration of the degree is 4 years.
• Associate Degree: It is a degree taken at an undergraduate level. It is equivalent to a diploma and is offered by community colleges in USA. It is of 2 years duration.
• Graduate Degree: A graduate or master’s degree mostly covers 2 to 3 academic years in the universities of USA.  
• Doctorate Degree: A doctorate degree takes a total of 5 to 8 years to complete
  

   

  Admission Process

  The requirements to study in USA for Indian students and International students can be completed online. A step-by-step process of how to study in USA is discussed below:

  Decide the course you want to pursue and start searching for the best universities offering that course. 

  Once the universities are shortlisted, check out the official university websites of each university and gather information about the requirements and eligibility criteria.

  Start the application process. Fill the application form and upload all required documents and certificates. Pay the required application fees.

  Wait for the universities to revert. Once selected, you will be sent an I-20 form. It is the document that you need to acquire your student visa.

  Tuition Fees

  The tuition fee in the USA depends upon the university you choose and the course you pursue. If you could make it to the public universities in the USA, your expenses are cut down to a great extent. Private universities in the USA on the other hand charge high fees in comparison to the public ones.

  Degree Type	Average Annual Tuition Fee
  Bachelors	$8,000 – $40,000
  Masters	$10,000 – $60,000

  Cost of Living

  The cost of living in USA for international students again depends upon the type of living you choose. If you have a tight budget, you must opt for student accommodation. Besides, there are some costs that are unavoidable. An average cost of living in USA for international students is discussed below:

  Particular	Average Cost Per Year
  Apartment housing including utilities	$21,710
  Food	$8,500
  Dormitory housing	$7,588 – $11,914
  Transportation	$2,180
  Books and supplies	$13,800
  Miscellaneous	$1,000